Fluorescence sensing platforms for epinephrine detection based on low temperature cofired ceramics

Abstract

A novel fluorescence‐sensing pathway for epinephrine (EP) detection was investigated. The ceramic‐based miniature biosensor was developed through the immobilization of an enzyme (laccase, tyrosinase) on a polymer—poly‐(2,6‐di([2,2′‐bithiophen]‐5‐yl)‐4‐(5‐hexylthiophen‐2‐ yl)pyridine), based on low temperature cofired ceramics technology (LTCC). The detection procedure was based on the oxidation of the substrate, i.e., in the presence of the enzyme. An alternative enzyme‐free system utilized the formation of a colorful complex between Fe2+ ions and epinephrine molecules. With the optimized conditions, the analytical performance illustrated high sensitivity and selectivity in a broad linear range with a detection limit of 0.14–2.10 nM. Moreover, the strategy was successfully used for an EP injection test with labeled pharmacological samples.